Bushra Griffith
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and has been produced there since the 12th century. However, some people may argue that cheddar is not real cheese due to the fact that American cheese, which is a blend of Colby and cheddar, is processed rather than aged naturally and therefore does not qualify as a cheese. The distinction between real cheese and processed cheese products is important to some cheese enthusiasts, who believe that the traditional methods of cheesemaking produce superior results in terms of flavour and texture.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cheddar is a hard English cheese, whereas American cheese is a smooth and creamy processed cheese
- American cheese is made with whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers and salt. Cheddar is made with cow's milk
- Cheddar is matured at a constant temperature for 3 to 18 months. American cheese doesn't need to be matured
- Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. American cheese is only popular in the US
- American cheese was first made by British colonists in America, who then exported it back to England
Cheddar is a hard English cheese, whereas American cheese is a smooth and creamy processed cheese
Cheddar is a hard English cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and has been produced there since at least the 12th century. It is made from cow's milk and has a natural aging process that contributes to its distinctive flavour and texture. The aging process can range from a few months to several years, and the cheese is typically matured in caves. Cheddar has a crumbly texture and a sharp taste. It is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US.
On the other hand, American cheese is a smooth and creamy processed cheese. It was first made by British colonists in America and then exported back to England by the 1970s. It is made with milk, whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt. The ingredients are blended and heated, and then poured into moulds to solidify. American cheese is not aged like cheddar but is instead processed with additives to create a consistent texture and flavour. It melts easily and has a long shelf life. It is typically used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni, and cheese dips.
American cheese is made from a blend of mild cheddar and Colby cheese, or similar varieties. However, it is important to note that some producers may use fresh cheese curds or milk protein instead of cheddar to cut costs. The key distinguishing factors between American cheese and cheddar are the acidity level and the unique texture achieved through the "cheddaring" process. Cheddar gets its flavour from the aging process, which uses a buttermilk culture. The longer aging process of cheddar also results in a higher protein content, making it a healthier option compared to American cheese.
While both cheeses are widely consumed and have their own distinct characteristics, the main difference lies in their production methods and resulting nutritional profiles. Cheddar is made naturally, while American cheese is processed with additional ingredients, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture. American cheese tends to have a higher fat content and is less expensive due to its processing, while cheddar offers a better nutritional profile with more protein and essential nutrients like calcium.
Mild Cheddar Cheese: A Beginner's Guide to This Classic
You may want to see also
American cheese is made with whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers and salt. Cheddar is made with cow's milk
The difference between American cheese and cheddar cheese is quite stark, from their ingredients to their manufacturing processes, and even their legal definitions.
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate. This additive prevents the cheese from separating during pasteurization. Other ingredients include milk, whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt. The ingredients are blended and heated with emulsifiers, poured into moulds to solidify, and sometimes include a stabilizing agent like polysaccharide xanthan gum to prevent ingredient separation. Processed American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916.
Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is made with cow's milk. After heating, the curd is kneaded with salt, cut into cubes to drain the whey, then stacked and turned. Cheddar is a hard, sharp-tasting English cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and has been produced there since at least the 12th century. Cheddar has a natural colour ranging from pale yellow to off-white, though some manufacturers colour the cheese with a brighter yellow. It is slightly crumbly and has a long shelf life of 12-15 years.
Due to its artificial processing, American "cheese" does not technically qualify as cheese and cannot be sold without being labelled as "processed cheese". This is why products like "Kraft Singles" are legally sold as "processed cheese" rather than "cheese".
In terms of usage, American cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, omelettes, scrambled eggs, breakfast sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheesesteaks. Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US, used in a wide variety of recipes. American cheese can be substituted for cheddar to add more flavour, and vice versa.
Freezing Cheddar Cheese: Is It Worth It?
You may want to see also
Cheddar is matured at a constant temperature for 3 to 18 months. American cheese doesn't need to be matured
Cheddar cheese is matured at a constant temperature, often in caves, for 3 to 18 months. This maturation process is a key part of what defines cheddar as a hard cheese, giving it a sharp, crumbly texture and a strong flavour.
American cheese, on the other hand, is a processed cheese. It is made by blending traditional cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, or similar with other ingredients such as whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt. This mixture is then heated with emulsifiers and poured into moulds to solidify.
The process of making American cheese is very different from the maturation process of cheddar. The ingredients are blended and heated with emulsifiers to create a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is then heated to a minimum temperature of 150 °F (66 °C) for at least 30 seconds during pasteurisation. The pasteurisation process, along with the addition of preservatives, means that American cheese has a much longer shelf life than cheddar and does not need to be matured.
The Standards of Identity for Dairy Products, part of the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), outlines the requirements for a product to be labelled as "American cheese". It must be manufactured from cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any mixture of these. Due to its manufacturing process, American cheese is often labelled as "processed cheese" or "pasteurised process cheese food".
While American cheese is a popular and versatile choice, particularly for sandwiches and burgers, it is important to distinguish it from traditional, matured cheeses such as cheddar.
Cheddar Cheese: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. American cheese is only popular in the US
Cheddar cheese, or simply cheddar, is a natural cheese that is relatively hard and off-white (or orange if colourings are added). It originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England, and has been produced there since at least the 12th century. Cheddar is produced all over the world and has no Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). In the UK and the EU, the name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" has a protected designation of origin, and may only be produced in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, using milk sourced from those counties.
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. Cheddar is usually sold as mild, medium, mature, extra mature or vintage. The state of Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese in the United States; other centres of production include California, Idaho, New York, Vermont, Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma.
American cheese, on the other hand, is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with additives such as sodium citrate, which permits the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating. It was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916. American cheese is mild with a creamy texture and salty flavour, and has a low melting point. It is typically yellow or white in colour.
American cheese is only popular in the US, where it is widely used in dishes such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips. It is also used as a substitute for cheddar or Swiss cheese, to add more flavour. In the US, American cheese is commonly used in breakfast foods such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. It is also a popular choice for sandwiches because of its versatility and smooth, meltable texture.
Cheddar Cheese and the Carnivore Diet: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
American cheese was first made by British colonists in America, who then exported it back to England
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting English cheese with a natural colour that ranges from pale yellow to off-white. It is usually made with cow's milk. On the other hand, American cheese is a smooth and creamy processed cheese with a long shelf life. It is made with milk, whey, milk and whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt.
While cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and has been produced there since at least the 12th century, American cheese was first made by British colonists in America, who then exported it back to England.
The colonists had been in the habit of making their own cheddar since the 1620s in Plymouth. Soon after their arrival in North America, they began making cheddar cheese, and by 1790, American-made cheddars were being exported back to England. This imported cheese was often considered inferior to the locally produced English cheddar and was given the moniker "Yankee" or "American" cheese. It was also cheaper, making it more accessible to the common man than British nobility.
In the 1910s, James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., invented processed American cheese. He obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916, and by the 1920s, Kraft was selling large "loaves" of processed cheese to delis, which further popularized this product. Over time, this processed cheese gradually became known as "American cheese".
Today, American cheese is a common ingredient in classic American dishes such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips. It is also used in the famous Philly cheesesteak, which originated in Philadelphia.
Goat Cheese: Why Is It Pricier Than Cheddar?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is real cheese. It's a hard English cheese with a sharp, pungent flavour, often slightly earthy. It's the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with other non-cheese ingredients like whey, milk, whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt.
Processing cheese makes it melt in a way that real cheese doesn't, and it also increases its shelf life. It's also cheaper to produce, sell, and buy.
While it's not the healthiest option due to high amounts of sodium and fat, it's not necessarily bad for you. It still contains protein and calcium.
Yes, you can substitute Cheddar with American cheese, or vice versa. However, keep in mind that American cheese has a milder flavour and a creamier texture than Cheddar.
